Name-calling in the House
Malaysiakini.com
Nov 29, 2006
Beh Lih Yi

Abbreviations of the names of political parties were given a twist in the Dewan Rakyat - Malaysian Crook Association, Malaysian Idiot Congress and Destructive Action Party were just some of the ‘creative’ examples. 

Deputy Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Wong Kam Hoong and opposition parliamentarians indulged in name-calling during the Question session this morning, as attempts were made to discuss strengthening the position of Malay as the national language.

In a supplementary question, Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) asked why the abbreviations of the BN parties are still based on the names in English.

“Umno stands for United Malays National Organisation. Why is this so, if the government is sincere in strengthening the use of the Malay language?” he asked.

He pointed out that DAP - Democratic Action Party - is officially registered as Parti Tindakan Malaysia.

Karpal also questioned why the country’s highest court in Putrajaya is named ‘Palace of Justice’ and not Istana Keadilan.

Wong replied: “DAP is no different - DAP stands for Destructive Action Party because it objects to everything the Barisan Nasional does. It tries to destroy the good ties among Umno, MCA and MIC.”

This evoked a round of protests from DAP MPs who demanded that Wong withdraws his remark.

Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) then said: “If that is the case, then MCA should stand for Malaysian Crook Association...”

“Money Collecting Agency!” Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) interjected.

“MIC is Malaysian Idiot Congress,” Lim carried on saying.

“It is also Malaysian Indian Crooks,” M Kula Segaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) added.

An unfazed Wong merely remarked: “Just look at the attitude of the opposition.”

On the Palace of Justice, he paraphrased Shakespeare, saying “a rose smells sweet, no matter what it is called”.

(From Romeo and Juliet: “What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.” )

Responding to the original question from Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), Wong said his ministry would ensure that Malay is always accorded priority. He said the language is promoted through various programmes.

However, he conceded that the level and quality of use have deteriorated despite the position of Malay as the national and official language. He did not elaborate.

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